[Vol 2] The Cheeky Junior Gal Becomes Too Cute When She Gets Attached to Me Chapter 9

Chapter 9 - The Casual-Talking Junior Gal, Ooba Monaka

 

[Monaka’s POV]

 

I declared that I would help Senpai.

But after saying that… what can I actually do?

I paced around the hallway in circles for no real reason, groaning “nnnn…” as I thought.

Unlike my capable Senpai, I can’t do anything. No brilliant solution came to mind.

“I don’t have time to sit around worrying.”

I slapped my own cheeks—smack—and reset my mood.

I can only do what I’m able to do.

“Good morning!”

I stepped into the classroom and shouted my greeting with all my strength.

The classmates who had been chatting stopped and all turned to look at me.

…Their stares hurt. Well, of course. I’ve never greeted anyone before.

But I’m not running away anymore.

“Everyone, there’s something I want you to hear!”

I looked everyone in the eye and walked up to the teacher’s podium.

My hands trembled before I realized it. I squeezed my skirt tightly to force the shaking to stop.

The classroom fell into total silence.

Everyone looked confused, wondering what was going on. Only Matsurin stared at me with worry.

“For the upcoming emergency student general assembly, please vote for the current student council president!”

I bowed deeply as I said it.

All I could see was the teacher’s desk, so I had no idea how my classmates were reacting. My ears weren’t picking up anything either.

I slowly raised my head.

My classmates looked lost, glancing at each other as if unsure what to say.

Of course. Ever since entering this school, I’ve avoided getting involved with anyone.

“M-Monaka-san…”

“It’s fine.”

Matsurin tried to come to my aid, but I stopped her.

This might end in a huge failure. I couldn’t drag her into it.

I took a small breath and spoke again.

“I know what you’re thinking… ‘You never talk, so why now?’ I don’t think anyone here considers me a friend. At first, there were people who tried talking to me, but I pushed them away.”

I’ve always spent time alone.

I barely have any memories of enjoying conversations with anyone in class.

Even when there was a chance to talk, I built walls.

“I kept running away. I was scared of being disliked.”

People have disliked me for as long as I can remember.

Even kids who used to be friends eventually ended up hating me.

And adults always assumed I was some irresponsible, unserious child.

My face, my tone, my attitude—everyone seemed to hate something about me.

“So I thought… if I’m going to be disliked anyway, it’s easier not to have friends from the start. Being hated after becoming friends hurts more.”

I could practically hear everyone thinking, “What is she even talking about…?”

Yeah, I was starting to get confused myself.

“But… Senpai accepted me. The student council president helped me without any prejudice or hidden motives.”

During the entrance exam, when I was almost forced to withdraw, and even when helping me caused trouble for him—Senpai still saved me.

It wouldn’t have mattered what I looked like. Senpai would have helped anyone.

But I was saved by him. If I hadn’t met Senpai, I’d still be shut away inside myself.

I was only able to open up because it was Senpai.

Because I knew he wouldn’t reject me, I clung to him with all the pent-up emotion I’d held back until now. Enough that thinking back on it makes me embarrassed.

“Thanks to Senpai, I even made a friend. She scolded me, you know? She said I was just running away. That not trying wasn’t an excuse.”

Matsurin’s eyes widened.

I became friends with her thanks to Senpai—and thanks to her, who looked me straight in the eye.

She didn’t just dislike me and walk away. She pointed out my flaws directly, and taught me what I needed to face.

And yet, I still haven’t put any of that into practice.

So today, I’m changing.

For my beloved Senpai, for my beloved Matsurin, and for Hayato-kun and Rui-senpai, whom I know I’ll come to care for too. To protect that student council I love.

“That’s right… I kept pushing people away because I didn’t want to be disliked. But if I want people to like me, I have to like them first. From now on, I want to get along with everyone. No— even if someone dislikes me, I want to face them honestly.”

I learned that only because I fell in love with Senpai.

It was simple.

If you care, if you genuinely want to get close, people respond. Not just in love—friendship, too.

“For you guys, I know it doesn’t make sense for someone who isn’t even your friend to suddenly bow her head. There’s no reason to listen to me. It’s natural to think that. I avoided all of you all this time, so it’s unfair of me to ask only now.”

If it were Senpai, he’d probably come up with a smarter way.

He’s surprisingly good with people, after all. He wouldn’t need to do something like this in the first place.

“Even so… begging like this is the only thing I can do.”

I bowed deeply again.

“Please vote for Tsujidou Masachika-senpai. Thanks to him, I was able to change. He treats everyone equally, he never hesitates to help people, and he always puts the students first. That’s why I want him to stay the student council president—not just because I like him.”

I truly believe he’s the most suitable person for the job.

“I don’t fully understand…”

Only one voice responded in the silent classroom.

The one who stood up, pulling back his chair, was Matsurin.

“So what you mean is… because he did something amazing enough to change Monaka-san, you want him to remain president?”

“Something like… that?”

“…You started talking without sorting your thoughts first?”

“Sorry. I got carried away…”

I had spoken without thinking. Looks like I’ll be scolded again.

Matsurin sighed softly and walked toward me.

She stepped onto the podium and stood beside me.

“Allow me to ask as well.”

“Wait, Matsurin…”

I started this on my own. She didn’t have to bow her head too.

I tried to stop her earlier for that reason.

“Just so you know, I’m also the president’s kouhai.”

She whispered it quietly so only I could hear.

Then she lifted her face and addressed the class.

“We’re not trying to force anyone. We can’t. But we want you all to think seriously before voting. Not based on the mood or what seems fun. We want you to evaluate which president will make the school better.”

Matsurin wasn’t the type to step forward like this, yet she spoke clearly and firmly.

“Tsujidou-senpai is someone who can reform a delinquent like her.”

“Eh? I was never a delinquent…”

“As you can see, she probably runs a gang behind the scenes.”

“Matsurin… is that really how you saw me!?”

I’m shocked!

As I stood there frozen, Matsurin gave a small laugh.

“She may seem like that, but she’s actually very cute. I misunderstood her at first, too. And the person who brought out her true self… is Tsujidou-senpai.”

Cute, she said.

I still think Matsurin is cuter though. Enough to make me worry Senpai might fall for her.

“We want Tsujidou-senpai to continue as student council president. We just want everyone to know that. Monaka-san came up here for that purpose… probably.”

I nodded confidently, even though I hadn’t thought that far.

…Having Matsurin with me was the right choice.

“That’s my evaluation as the student council treasurer. So we want everyone to evaluate Tsujidou-senpai as well. Look at what he’s done, and what he will do. Think about it carefully before voting.”

She bowed again.

I hurried to bow beside her.

“Please.”

“Please!”

The class’s reactions were mixed. I had no idea how much our words reached them.

But at least… we gave everyone a reason to think.

“Um…”

A boy I recognized raised his hand timidly. Well, of course I recognized him—we’re classmates. But also because we met outside school.

“Ah, Hayato-kun’s…”

“Thanks for the help the other day. You were completely different in the classroom, so I forgot to say it properly, but I’m really grateful.”

He was in Hayato-kun’s band.

I met him when I helped with their live performance as part of an exam. We didn’t talk long, but we were acquainted.

“I know Ooba-san is a good person. And I know the student council president is someone we can rely on. He helped us during our live performance, even though it had nothing to do with the school. He said it was only natural to help students, just because he happened to be there.”

Of course. Senpai wouldn’t ignore someone in trouble.

“I’m voting for Tsujidou-senpai. I know he’ll make the school better.”

“Thank you!”

“You don’t have to thank me. I’m a student here too—it concerns me as well. Everyone, think seriously! Use your own heads to decide who’s better.”

He looked around the room as he called out.

“Come to think of it… he helped us clean the clubroom too. And it wasn’t just cleaning—he practically renovated it to make it usable…”

“He gave us so many helpful ideas during the school festival… I thought he was just strict, but he was right about everything…”

“He helped me when a teacher yelled at me…”

“He just somehow shows up whenever someone’s in trouble.”

Voices rose one after another.

Senpai… you were doing all that?

How terrible! I wasn’t special at all! …Just kidding.

Instead, I felt proud—yes, Senpai really is amazing.

Though he’d never brag about it. To him, helping people is just normal.

But it’s not normal at all.

There isn’t anyone else like him in the entire school.

“You don’t need to decide right now. Please think carefully until Friday.”

“Why? The momentum was great.”

“This is nothing. The president is far more incredible than this.”

Matsurin puffed her chest out proudly.

She looked around the classroom and declared confidently:

“Three more days. Look forward to it. You’ll see just how amazing he truly is.”

We found out what she meant later that lunch break.

『This is Tsujidou Masachika, your student council president. We have an announcement from the student council』

Senpai’s voice echoed through the classroom speakers.

『We have partnered with a local bakery and successfully arranged for a school shop to open. The official opening will be in April, but for this week only, there will be a pre-opening period. Please make purchases and respond to the survey』

The classroom buzzed the moment everyone heard that.

“Huh? A school shop?”

“A bakery, you mean?”

Our school didn’t have a cafeteria or a shop. So we always had to bring our own lunches, and if it wasn’t enough, there was no way to buy extra food.

But if a shop was opening…

『The location is the first floor, in front of the home economics room. It will begin operating today』

Everyone gradually understood—and the moment they heard the location, they shot to their feet.

“Uooooooo!!”

“Bread! I want bread!”

“Nice job, student council president!!”

I had no idea there was a plan for a school shop.

And opening this week , like he timed it perfectly…

『Also, running in the hallway is forbidden. …Not that anyone’s listening』

Through the speakers, I could practically see Senpai’s wry smile.

“Senpai is amazing. Of course everyone’s sprinting at full speed!”

Since I’d been listening closely to Senpai’s voice, I wasn’t running. I’ll get him to praise me later.

“Apparently, it was already in progress, and they just pushed the pre-opening ahead a bit.”

As I leisurely walked along, Matsurin—who was also walking—explained it to me.

“Mumumu, why does Matsurin know? Even though I didn’t…?”

“Please don’t get weirdly jealous. As long as it’s something the student council is handling, of course I’d know. Though since it was only the president working on it, I don’t know the details.”

The school store was overflowing with students, completely packed.

Maybe because it was a pre-opening, there were around five staff members working quickly to keep things moving.

…Looking closely, Kugenu was helping out too. A few other teachers were scattered around as well.

“So this is the thing he mentioned this morning. But with this, Senpai’s votes are definitely going up!”

“Not necessarily.”

Matsurin denied it with a smile.

“This isn’t the only thing.”

“Huh…?”

On Wednesday and Thursday, Senpai made announcements two days in a row.

The contents had our classmates buzzing.

It wasn’t just the school shop.

One after another, he unveiled ideas no one had even thought of.

Adding manga and novels to the library’s entertainment section, implementing free Wi-Fi on campus, arranging student discounts with local shops, increasing club budgets and equipment through alumni donations, allowing casual clothes once a month on Dress Code Free Day…

Every idea was straightforward and something students would genuinely be happy about.

The directions varied widely, appealing to many different groups.

Some were already being implemented this week, while others had only been announced and would start later.

“Hasn’t Tsujidou-senpai been insane since he became student council president?”

“Can a school really change this much?”

Classmates couldn’t stop talking about Senpai.

I was especially happy about Dress Code Free Day. I like our uniforms—they’re cute—but I also want to dress up at school once in a while.

“Senpai is crazy… how much work did he even do?”

I muttered without thinking.

This week after school he’d been especially busy, so we hadn’t talked much at all.

Obviously—he was trying to roll out all the plans he’d prepared in a single week. He was apparently rushing through discussions with everyone involved and getting approval as fast as possible.

“Monaka-san, we don’t have time to just stand around either.”

“I know!”

Of course, I wasn’t just watching from the sidelines.

Matsurin and I had been going around to different classrooms every day.

Just like with our classmates, we were asking everyone to vote for Senpai.

Compared to Senpai’s bold actions, it might seem small.

But even if it helps him get one more vote… that thought kept us going.

…Actually, Senpai is so amazing he probably never needed to worry about losing, right?

Or so I thought, but it doesn’t seem that simple.

“We’re doing a live performance during lunch break!”

The ones shouting and handing out flyers were members of the light music club.

I took one and read it with Matsurin.

Right in the center was a photo of Rui-senpai.

“Whoa, I HAVE to go!”

“Kataseyama-senpai’s doing a live show!”

“And apparently Kuzuhara-senpai is singing too.”

Voices of excitement rose all around.

Of course Rui-senpai wouldn’t stay quiet…

Since neither of them were the current student council president, they couldn’t copy Senpai’s approach.

But Rui-senpai had her own strengths.

She was coming for popularity fair and square.

“As expected of the vice-president…”

Matsurin whistled in admiration as she looked at the flyer.

“Things are getting pretty heated…”

But neither side was trying to drag the other down.

Just like Senpai said—they were focusing on appealing their own strengths. That was their way of fighting.

Rui-senpai really was popular.

But when it came to who should become student council president… that was the perspective Matsurin and I were trying to spread.

“Monaka-san, let’s go.”

“Yeah!”

The showdown would be during first period tomorrow—

 

◯

 

[Masachika’s POV]

 

“So today’s finally the day.”

I came to the student council room early in the morning and sank into my chair.

I’d already made public everything I possibly could.

I pushed the people in charge and the teachers to move up the schedule for the measures we’d been preparing.

Thanks to that, I’d been forced to run all over the place these past few days. And even after the emergency student assembly, I’ll have to go around handling the aftermath and expressing my thanks.

But… I can’t squeeze water from a dry rag.

There was no way I could start something new in just three days. So I had no choice but to fight with the cards I already had.

If I’d had a little more time, I could’ve made far bigger changes… but it is what it is.

Even with just this, I think it reached a decent number of students.

…The problem is the third-years.

For the third-years who will be graduating soon, it doesn’t matter how much the school changes now.

No matter how appealing those things are to first- and second-years, the third-years won’t care.

These measures are meant to build expectations—“If he’s doing this much, he’ll make the school even better in the future.” But the third-years probably won’t be moved.

And I couldn’t think of anything to appeal specifically to the third-years.

The influence of Kuzuhara-senpai among them is still huge, and Kataseyama is more popular with the third-years than with any other grade. Since it doesn’t affect them anymore, there will be many who vote for her just for fun.

I don’t think everyone will vote for Kataseyama, but the proportion will be large.

“She spent a lot of time working on the third-years…”

I was too busy handling my own mess to check much, but Kataseyama had been appealing to them through a completely different approach—actually visiting classrooms and interacting with people to build popularity.

It looks low-key, but for Kataseyama, that’s the most effective method.

If you talk to her even once, a lot of people end up liking her. She’s nothing like me.

“It all depends on how many underclassmen’s votes I managed to pull…”

I can’t stop thinking maybe there was more I could’ve done. The thought keeps looping in my head.

I haven’t talked much with Monaka or Kawana these past three days. I ended up thinking everything through on my own, which only made the anxiety worse.

…I wasn’t like this before.

I decided everything by myself. Did everything by myself. It was easier that way, fewer mistakes that way.

I always believed I had the ability to handle things, and up until now, I somehow managed.

But now, being unable to consult anyone feels painful.

I’ve gotten so much weaker.

Monaka, Kawana, Hayato… and Kataseyama.

Relying on them as student council president, I slowly became someone who can’t operate alone anymore.

And yet… strangely, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

If anything, it feels more comfortable now.

I have people I can rely on, people I can trust. Becoming a student council officer taught me that.

So it’s not just because Kawana said so—I also want to protect the current student council.

Because to me, too, it’s become a comfortable place.

“Senpai.”

As if she’d timed it for when I was at my weakest, Monaka walked into the student council room.

“It’s finally here.”

“Yeah.”

The emergency student assembly will be held during first period today.

It’s almost time.

“It’ll be fine! Everyone said they want you, Senpai.”

When I stayed silent with a serious expression, Monaka tried to encourage me.

But even her face looked a little tense. She was anxious too.

And yet she still acted cheerful for my sake.

Her kindness sank deeply into me.

“Winning and losing aside… I really don’t want to fight Kataseyama.”

“Ah~…”

I’d declared boldly in front of her that I’d take on her challenge, but honestly, I didn’t want to fight.

No matter which way it goes, some resentment will remain.

“You’ll be fine.”

She repeated firmly.

“You’ll be fine, Senpai. You always manage to get the result you want. And I know you’re someone who can give everything for that.”

That’s not true. I fail all the time.

Almost nothing has ever gone perfectly. I just protected what mattered most to me and cut away all the small issues. I’m a very selfish person.

But this time, I want everything.

I want to keep the position of student council president and lose nothing at all on top of that.

“You really are like your dad, Senpai.”

She repeated what she’d said that day at the park.

…Yeah, I think I understand how my old man felt now. Maybe he had the same feelings.

He just wanted to protect what was precious to him.

Like Kawana said—the current way things are matters.

With Hayato, Kawana, Monaka, and even Kataseyama all here.

I’ll fight to keep this happiness.

“If all you wanted was to win, you could’ve used a strategy that would’ve hurt Rui-senpai. You said it was risky, but honestly, Senpai, you could’ve pulled it off easily. But you chose the hard path instead.”

“…Yeah.”

“Everyone will understand that. More than anything, I know it best.”

Monaka crouched down and gently held both of my hands.

Ever since we met, she’s been helping me constantly.

She says I’ve helped her, but it’s the opposite. She’s saved me—emotionally.

“I know better than anyone that Senpai is the most amazing person in the world. So you’ll definitely be fine.”

She narrowed her eyes and smiled softly.

At that moment, the bell signaling five minutes before homeroom rang.

I stood up and slung my school bag over my shoulder.

“Alright.”

I said it on purpose and took a step forward.

“Just watch me.”

I forced a confident, fearless smile.

I’ll win, convince Kataseyama, and make Monaka an officer. That’s the best outcome—and the minimum. Anything else is unacceptable.

“Monaka.”

“Hmm?”

“Thanks.”

“Same to you.”

After an exchange that didn’t make much sense, we left the student council room.

 

『We will now begin the emergency student assembly.』

Kawana’s voice echoed through the gymnasium.

The moderators today are Kawana and Hayato—officers not directly involved. Since this is a pseudo-election, the election committee is also at the moderator’s table.

Kataseyama and I wait backstage. We’ll step out when signaled.

“I didn’t think Masachika would go all-out like this.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t want to lose anything.”

While listening to Kawana explain the agenda and procedure, I spoke with Kataseyama.

“Are you panicking because you think you’ll lose?”

“A little. But I don’t think I’ll lose.”

“I’m the one who’ll win. …No, that’s not quite it.”

I’d been thinking of this as a competition.

And it is—and I can’t afford to lose. But there’s something more important.

“Of course I’ll win, but through this assembly, I want to understand you better.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t really want you to understand me.”

“Whether you want it or not doesn’t matter. I want to understand you. Not just as a Council member—I want to be friends.”

I know her ability. I trust her.

But I know nothing about her inner self or private life. We’ve never even been in the same class or met outside work.

And that’s how we ended up like this.

“When this is over, let’s all go eat.”

“Not just the two of us, okay?”

“No need to say it so bluntly… Of course the whole council.”

“Can’t have your cute girlfriend getting mad, right?”

…Who could she possibly mean?

The student council election ended long ago, but now that this assembly is happening and Monaka is joining as an officer, it finally feels like the shape things were supposed to have.

『Now, we will move on to the no-confidence vote.』

Kawana called our names in turn.

We stepped onto the stage and stood side by side.

A student from the election committee handed us microphones.

“I am Tsujidou Masachika, the student council president.”

When speaking into a mic, talking slower than normal is just right.

Surprisingly, I was calm. I could clearly see the faces of the students sitting below.

“This week, we pushed up the schedule and implemented various measures. It may have caused some fuss, but I believe many of you have already felt their effects. Of course, we’ll use your feedback to make improvements, but I intended these measures to make school life more comfortable for students.”

Even among the crowd, Monaka stood out. Hardly anyone has blonde hair.

Or maybe I was unconsciously searching for her.

“As long as I’m student council president, I will continue pushing for changes that help us enjoy school life more. There are many things I can’t announce yet, but I hope you look forward to them.”

A school is a closed system where all students rotate out every three years, so change rarely happens. Even rules or customs that no longer fit the times tend to remain.

Some of them are totally irrational. I can’t tolerate that.

Of course, maintaining order and not neglecting our studies is a given—but within that, I want to improve the school. And I need the position of student council president to do so.

It’s not about righteousness or high ideals. I just want to do things my way.

“Thank you very much.”

I ended my speech and bowed.

I didn’t address the third-years at all. My focus is the underclassmen who will still be here for another year or more.

Next, the mic went to Kataseyama.

After greeting the students, she began speaking.

“I’ve been serving as a student council officer since last year, working alongside Tsujidou-san. His administrative skill is excellent, and as you all know, he also has impressive initiative. No one is more suited to being student council president than he is.”

The students looked confused. Understandably — she submitted a no-confidence motion, yet she was praising me as the rightful president.

“And yet there’s one reason I’m standing here today: for public relations.”

Ah, so she’s going that route… I immediately understood, though most of the students still looked bewildered.

“I want to show the outside world what makes this school great—and I want to stand at the front. For that, I need the title of student council president.”

I couldn’t help but agree.

Administrative work can be done as president or vice-president. But public promotion requires the weight of the president’s title.

And for that role, she’s more suitable than I am. I have to admit that.

“I want current students to feel proud of attending this school, and graduates to feel proud of their alma mater. That is my wish. And I can make it happen.”

She smoothly appealed to the third-years too.

She has a presence—beauty, talent in singing, popularity—things I don’t have.

Standing next to her only made the difference more obvious.

“Let’s build a school we can all be proud of.”

Her closing appeal contrasted perfectly with my own message.

I seek internal reform. She seeks external promotion.

Both benefit the students.

Now it’s up to them to choose.

『Thank you, Tsujidou-san and Kataseyama-san. We will now move to the vote.』

This isn’t a real election—it’s a no-confidence vote.

There won’t be ballots.

『If a majority of students vote in favor of the no-confidence motion—meaning support for Tsujidou-san stepping down and Kataseyama-san assuming the presidency—the motion will pass.』

Kawana repeated the explanation.

She’d been in pieces on Monday, but now she was calmly moderating. She really is capable.

『Those in favor, please stand.』

The moment had come.

Honestly, it didn’t look good for me. After hearing Kataseyama’s pledges, even I thought so.

If I were sitting among the students, I might have stood.

That’s how persuasive and appealing her words were.

I opened my eyes wide and watched as students slowly stood up, scattered across the gym.

Unlike a ballot vote, standing makes it obvious who supports the motion. Some hesitated, but gradually more and more rose.

My heartbeat quickened.

How many are there?

I couldn’t even grasp the number—maybe because I was shaken too.

It looked close. At least, there was no overwhelming difference visible at a glance.

Eventually the movement stopped, and the election committee began counting—

『The tally is complete.』

After receiving the report from the election committee chair, Kawana took the microphone.

『As a result of the vote, the no-confidence motion is――』

Kawana took a deep breath.

『It has been rejected.』

Rejected. In other words… I won.

Without thinking, I looked at Kataseyama.

She stood there with her mouth slightly open, staring into empty space. Then, as if finally processing what had happened, she looked back at me with a pained expression.

『That concludes today’s agenda. Good work, everyone.』

At that cue, Kataseyama and I hurriedly bowed.

As the sound of students leaving filled the gym, the stage curtains slowly closed.

Just before the curtains fully shut… Monaka jumped up onto the stage from the front.

“Senpai…!”

She sprinted toward me and threw herself into my chest.

“I’m so glad… I’m really, really glad…”

“Monaka, we’re still on stage, so maybe don’t cling to me so much…”

“Why are you so calm!? Let’s share the emotional moment!”

“Because… this isn’t over yet.”

Right—my goal wasn’t just to win.

I gently pried Monaka off me and faced Kataseyama.

Kataseyama had collapsed weakly onto the floor, staring up at me in a daze.

“What? Just leave me alone. I lost.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Then what? Here to get your revenge?”

She forced out the venom in her words, but her voice was fragile.

“No. I was thinking of asking you to stay on as vice-president.”

“As if I could do that. I picked a fight with you on my own, lost pathetically… and then cling to my position like some pitiful loser? No way.”

“Not my problem.”

Sure, maybe it would look pathetic.

But it would be a huge problem for me if Kataseyama quit being vice-president.

“President…”

“Masachika-kun.”

Kawana and Hayato, who had been moderating, also came up onto the stage.

They looked at me worriedly, but I gave them a firm nod, telling them I had this handled.

“I had no idea you were thinking of strengthening public relations, Kataseyama. I’m terrible with that stuff, so it really helps.”

“It’s stupid. Obviously that was just something I made up to win.”

Kataseyama frowned and spoke in a deliberately self-deprecating tone.

“I just wanted to go higher. That’s all. Someone as selfish and troublesome as me… it’s only natural I lost.”

“Higher, huh.”

“Yeah. I only ever thought about myself. In my heart I even laughed at my friends, and all I ever cared about was how people saw me. I wanted everyone to think I was living the perfect high school life. Just that. That’s why I wanted to become student council president.”

Kataseyama cried out as if confessing or screaming in frustration, blaming herself.

“I don’t have confidence. If someone doesn’t acknowledge me, if I can’t feel like I’m above others, then I can’t even be myself. I don’t think you’d understand, Masachika—you’re always so straightforward about your goals.”

It was true that I could never completely understand how she felt.

I understood the meaning. I understood why someone might think that way. But for me, what I do matters more than how others evaluate me.

Still, just because someone thinks differently doesn’t mean I should deny them.

“...I was jealous of you, Masachika. You can genuinely act for others, even sacrifice yourself to help people, and everyone adores you from the bottom of their hearts… I wanted to be like that.”

Kataseyama’s shoulders drooped weakly.

To me, Kataseyama had always seemed like a flawless superhuman.

A girl with no openings, overflowing with confidence.

But inside, she’d been carrying such heavy burdens… I was ashamed I never noticed.

“Thanks for telling me.”

I knelt down on the stage and met her eyes.

“But honestly? It’s pointless.”

I deliberately spoke harshly.

“Pointless? Don’t trivialize my worries like that!”

“No, it really is simple. You just haven’t noticed.”

You feel insecure if you’re not acknowledged?

You want people to see you in a good light?

Yeah, that’s pointless.

“You don’t have to overthink it. There are plenty of people who acknowledge you and need you.”

I grabbed her shoulders and forced her to face forward.

“I need you, Kataseyama. I can’t imagine anyone else as vice president. It’s because you’re the one who sees the people around you best, and you’re good at building relationships. That’s why—not because you’re popular.”

“...That’s only because I wanted people to think well of me.”

“Even if that was your reason, that’s still a skill you earned through effort. Don’t worry—I already acknowledge you.”

It really was ridiculous. She had no idea she was already recognized.

“Me too! I know Rui-senpai is incredible. Sure, she’s famous and her singing is amazing, but that’s not why I look up to her.”

Hayato sat next to me and addressed Kataseyama.

“I look up to you because I know you work harder than anyone.”

“Work hard…?”

“You do. Even if you deny it, I’ll say it outright.”

As a club underclassman and fellow student council member, Hayato had watched her. There was no way his words wouldn’t reach her.

“Also, being able to work hard because you want to be acknowledged? Isn’t that amazing? Usually people just want others to accept them as they are, right? Or they give up, like me.”

“That’s right. If you’re putting in effort to change the evaluation people have of you, there’s no need to put yourself down for it.”

Monaka, who had once given up because she feared people’s judgment.

Kawana, who struggled to overcome the trauma of not being recognized.

They both acknowledged Kataseyama too.

No—It wasn’t just the student council.

There had to be plenty of people on campus who recognized her. That was all thanks to her own hard work—and even if she showed a little of her true self, no one would abandon her.

Everyone was drawn to Kataseyama’s personality.

They weren’t being fooled by some polished exterior.

“I’ll say it again. Kataseyama, stay on as vice president.”

“...Are you sure? I’m pretty awful, you know? Like, really awful?”

“That’s exactly why you’re needed.”

Wanting to look good isn’t awful.

And instead of becoming hostile, she worked hard to improve—that was a strength.

“Ahhh… People are going to laugh at me. Continuing even after losing, seriously…”

Kataseyama muttered, almost self-mocking.

“But I fought with everything I had, and this is the result… And it's fine, right? As long as the student council acknowledges me.”

Then she smiled naturally, as if a heavy burden had lifted.

“Of course!”

“Naturally.”

“I want to keep working with you too, Rui-senpai!”

The three underclassmen answered firmly.

Kataseyama let out a long breath of relief.

She stood, looking at each of us in turn.

“Sorry for all the trouble! I’m looking forward to working with you all!”

She bowed deeply and declared it.

“And Matsuri-chan. I’m sorry. The chocolates were delicious.”

“...Yes.”

“Even though I treated you so terribly, thank you for accepting me.”

No one had been more worried during this whole ordeal than Kawana.

Now that everything had ended peacefully, Kawana covered her mouth with both hands, overwhelmed.

Large tears spilled from her eyes—but this time, they were tears of relief and joy.

“Matsuri-chan, you’re crying more than me…”

“Because…!”

“Geez, come here.”

Kataseyama took out a handkerchief and gently wiped Kawana’s tears.

Her own eyes were wet as she looked at me.

“We’ve got some amazing kouhais, don’t we?”

“Yeah.”

Having three kouhais who cared this much about the student council—we really were lucky.

“...Well then. Can we have our precious vice president back now, Kuzuhara-senpai?”

I turned my gaze toward the stage wings.

Standing there was the former student council president, Kuzuhara-senpai.

“Looks like I lost this one.”

“Thanks to you, we’re even more united now.”

“I thought I could win though. Honestly, if it were just Tsujidou, I probably would’ve won.”

He shot a frustrated look at Monaka and Kawana.

“The deciding factor was their persuasion. They even came to the third-year classrooms to plead. Probably went to every class. You know how we third-years are weak to cute underclassmen.”

Surprised, I looked at the two of them.

I’d been so focused on myself that I hadn’t realized Monaka and Kawana were fighting for me behind the scenes.

It explained why fewer third-years supported Kataseyama than expected.

Third-years would normally prefer Kataseyama’s campaign promises.

“Heh, we worked pretty hard, you know.”

“...It’s not like I did it for the president or anything.”

On Monday, when I decided I would win, I had asked Monaka to help.

She and Kawana had done far more than I imagined.

Without them, none of this would’ve happened. I owed them greatly.

“Well, I had fun in the end. I guess I’m the unwanted one here, so I’ll be going.”

“Wait. There’s one thing you forgot.”

I stopped him and signaled to Monaka.

Monaka gasped and pulled a folded paper from her pocket.

Her test form—the one for becoming a student council officer.

“Ah, right.”

With the pen I handed over, Kuzuhara-senpai quickly signed the form.

“Thank you!”

“If Tsujidou makes you cry, tell me. I’ve got a reputation for being on the opposing side of him.”

“If Senpai makes me cry, it’ll only be from happy tears.”

So basically, he just doesn’t like me.

In that sense, Kataseyama was a victim too.

…I might need Kataseyama to teach me how to deal with people.

Kuzuhara-senpai was the first to leave the stage.

“Here, Senpai, you too.”

“Ah—right.”

I hadn’t signed yet either.

This emergency general assembly was Monaka’s final test. When it began, I never imagined it would turn into something this dramatic.

Now, no one opposed her becoming a officer.

“You passed, Monaka.”

“Yay!”

I handed her the form, now filled with all six signatures.

She accepted it like a diploma and proudly raised it over her head.

“I’m now the student council officer, Ooba Monaka! Nice to meet everyone!”

I remained president, Kataseyama stayed by my side—

And now, Monaka had officially joined us as a fellow student council officer.